Beauty Boss: Caroline King, Chief Growth Officer of LATHER
Caroline King.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Caroline King, Chief Growth Officer of LATHER—a line of top-quality products for the body, face, hair and home that are all made from unique, natural ingredients and pure essential oils.
Founded in 1999, LATHER was developed by Emilie Hoyt, who suffered from migraines and headaches that were often triggered by synthetic fragrances in beauty products. All of LATHER’s products are free of synthetic fragrances and colors, in addition to being paraben-free, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free.
Prior to joining LATHER as Chief Growth Officer, King was Vice President of Marketing and Creative at Nasty Gal and held a prior leadership position at C Wonder. With more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications, King helps promote LATHER’s growth strategy by continuing to successfully expand in the natural beauty market and custom hotel space.
We chatted with King, who shared what inspired her to join the brand, best advice, wellness tips, and more.
How long have you been with LATHER and what inspired you to join the company?
I’ve been with LATHER a little over a year. I've always gravitated towards companies that make me feel something, that are looking to disrupt the status quo. LATHER is a pioneer in the clean skincare industry with a passionate founder who is motivated to educate consumers on the dangers of synthetic fragrance... chemicals that exist in 95% of beauty products today. I saw an exciting opportunity to work not just for a skincare brand with sublime product, but for one that's on an important mission.
What’s your background and what are your responsibilities in your role?
I come from the fashion world... similar industries in some ways and I've always had a passion for skin care. It's been fun and challenging to break into a new industry. My responsibilities include establishing budgets and forecasts for all verticals in the business, and ensuring we're moving towards those targets, as well as helping provide the support needed to get there...more marketing budget, more resources, more process, etc.
Do LATHER have a hero product?
Our Eucalyptus Foaming Foot Scrub.
What’s your favorite product(s) from the brand?
Our hand sanitizer is seriously the best on the market! I also love our sheet masks, they're so hydrating; and our bamboo lemongrass collection, I adore the smell.
Where are LATHER products sold?
You can find us on our website, in one of our four retail stores, or in several hundred hotels nationwide (and some overseas).
Future plans for the brand?
We're continuing to focus on scaling our online business—we saw insane growth last year and it is continuing into 2021, which is exciting.
LATHER’s Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Scrub ($68) s formulated with powdered bamboo to gently polish and hydrate skin, creating a delicate foam to melt away dry and flaky skin, leaving it instantly brighter, softer, and smoother.
Who inspires you?
Not who, but what. People who persevere, who get knocked down repeatedly and never stop trying. I admire tenacity and grit.
Secret to success?
Care. A lot.
Beauty secrets?
No secret—take really good care of your skin. Hydrate, exfoliate, sunscreen!
Wellness tips?
Find what makes you feel good and stick with it.
Best advice?
Be kind to yourself.
How do you like to relax?
Hot bath followed by cozy pajamas, a cocktail, and some really bad television.
For more information, visit lather.com and follow on Instagram: @lather
[Images courtesy of LATHER]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk